Investigation Launched Against Nurse at Vienna's Favoriten Clinic Over Suspected Homicide

The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office is currently conducting an investigation into a former nurse employed at the Favoriten Clinic, following allegations of suspected homicide. The inquiry, confirmed by authorities, was initiated after concerns were raised regarding the administration of medication to terminally ill patients on the oncology ward.

The first case under scrutiny involves a female patient who passed away in mid-September. According to official information, the patient, aged between 50 and 70, had been receiving palliative care in the final stages of her illness. Standard practice in such scenarios is to prioritize patient comfort through carefully managed pain relief. Medical records indicate that the patient was administered benzodiazepines and opiates via a motorized syringe, with dosage and timing documented in a formal therapy plan. Each administration was supposed to be logged and monitored by certified nursing staff.

After the patient's death, discrepancies were discovered in the medication log by staff members assuming the next shift. Certain doses were missing from the documentation, prompting immediate reporting to the ward management and subsequent escalation to the nursing directorate. Further concerns arose from an alleged remark made by the suspect indicating that higher doses might accelerate the patient's passing.

Following internal review, both the accused nurse and a colleague who worked the same shift were temporarily relieved of their duties for violating internal protocols and were later dismissed. The Favoriten Clinic management submitted a formal report to the Public Prosecutor's Office and recommended a judicial autopsy to determine the cause of death. The results of this forensic examination, as well as a specialist review by an anesthesiology and pain management expert, are still pending.

Authorities emphasize that, at present, there is no definitive evidence establishing a direct link between the medication administered and the patient's death. An overdose has not been confirmed, and further toxicological analysis is required before any conclusions can be drawn. The clinic's management highlighted that existing monitoring systems were effective in detecting irregularities and stressed the importance of thorough investigation to ensure patient safety.

A second incident involving a male patient who died in January 2025 is also under review. This individual, who had also received palliative care at the Favoriten Clinic, was treated by the same nurse under suspicion. The Public Prosecutor's Office recently requested additional documentation related to this case. Although media reports have mentioned a possible exhumation, clinic representatives have not confirmed such actions.

Both nurses involved in the investigation had been employed at the Favoriten Clinic for approximately eighteen months and were experienced in their field. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with both individuals currently not in custody. The authorities have stated that there is no urgent suspicion at this stage and that the investigation is being conducted with the objective of establishing a clear and comprehensive understanding of the events. The outcome will depend largely on the pending forensic and toxicological findings.

The case has drawn attention to the protocols and oversight mechanisms in place within palliative care settings, with the clinic reaffirming its commitment to transparency and patient welfare during the ongoing investigative process.